tour guide cambridge

Inspiration

• Unique Cambridge

From making your own gin with one of the world’s most innovative distilleries, to trying the best of the Cambridge food scene – here are some uniquely Cambridge experiences to seek out during your stay

• Art & Exhibitions
• Comedy & Entertainment
• Family Friendly
• List Your Event
• Museums & Galleries
• Universities & Colleges
• Theatres & Cinemas
• Parks & Open Spaces
• Walking & Cycling Routes
• Food & Drink
• Key Sites to Visit
• List Your Business
• Explore Cambridge's Colleges
• Accommodation
• Travelling into Cambridge
• Driving into Cambridge
• City Ambassadors
• Venue Finding Service
• Cambridge for Couples
• Dog-friendly Cambridge
• Family Fun in Cambridge

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• Things to See & Do

Cambridge offers plenty of pre-planned city tours for you to choose from all year round. If you’re feeling more spontaneous, simply grab a map and enjoy an uncharted adventure. Why not plot your journey and explore the city?  

All City Tours ( 27 )

• Leisure Activities
• Local Nature Reserve
• House & Park
• Dog Friendly
• Independent
• Woman Owned

Cambridge longest running river boat tours. Explore Cambridge buy river , city and beyond. Private group/family trips and public hop-on tours.

Cambridge Bike Tours

Cambridge as you’ve never seen it before! Truly the best way to explore this beautiful and fascinating city. Get off the beaten track and discover hidden gems with our knowledgeable guides

Cambridge Highlights Tour

See the best of Cambridge on a 90-minute Cambridge Highlights Walking Tour!

Cambridge Punting

Ready to experience Cambridge like never before? Join us at Cambridge Punting, for a journey that blends history, charm, and adventure.

Cambridge Sculpture Trails

Find illustrated trails of 20th & 21st C public sculpture on our CST website. Download our free app to guide you around the works sited in city streets and tranquil college gardens.

Cambridge Women Tours

Sex and the City - a walking tour This guided tour, led by Cambridge Green Badge guides, reveals the parts played by women in shaping the university, the town and the world beyond.

City Sightseeing Tour

The Cambridge sightseeing tour stops at 18 different locations across the city, bringing you on a tour of the city's main tourist attractions. Enjoy the views and sounds of Cambridge from the top deck of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, whatever your tastes may be.

CityDays Urban Adventure Hunts

Escape room meets city tour. Explore Cambridge’s historic highlights and hidden quirks in this puzzle-filled adventure through its centre!

Go Quest Adventures: Self Guided City Walk & Interactive Treasure Hunt

Turning City Streets into Adventure Playgrounds! Go Quest Adventures (GQA) offers fun and interactive city Quests all self-guided through the GQA app. On your Quest, explore the streets of Cambridge unlocking a secret trail, solving puzzles & completing challenges earning points along the way. Quests are designed for you to see the city’s highlights but also discover hidden gems and learn unique facts. Get Your Quest Today - Play Anytime! Will you Conquer The Quest?

Grantchester Filming Locations Walking Tour

Enjoy a guided Grantchester tour through the idyllic village on the outskirts of Cambridge, as seen in the hit ITV drama.

Haunted Cambridge Tours

Cambridge guides' scariest storytellers are running ghost tours every Friday and Saturday at 18:30.

Hidden Cambridge

Discover the heart of the ancient city, some of the hidden nooks and crannies you’ve never noticed before around the river crossing and quayside area.

Inside King’s College Chapel

Step inside and feel the magic. Our guides are invited by King’s to lead tours of Cambridge’s most recognisable landmark.

Killer Trails

Would you like to explore the elegant streets of Cambridge whilst solving a world-changing murder mystery? Well, you’ve come to the right place, detective! A Brief Murder In Time is an imaginative treasure hunt with a whodunit twist. This self-guided city tour experience leads you on a thrilling journey around one of the world’s most prestigious university cities, past renowned museums and spectacularly preserved architecture. Along the way, you’ll discover historical landmarks and hidden gems, solve cryptic puzzles and find hidden clues to ultimately deduce whodunit. The game is afoot!

King’s College and King’s College Chapel

King's College Chapel plays a central role in College life, as well as being the most instantly recognizable and iconic building in Cambridge.

Let’s Go Punting

At Let’s Go Punting we offer award-winning private and shared chauffeured punting tours in Cambridge. Sit back, relax and see the majestic Cambridge University 'college backs' in comfort & style.

Did you know?

Legendary rock band Pink Floyd has its roots in Cambridge, with members Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and David Gilmour born and raised in the city.

Cambridge Tour Guides

• See all photos

A Guided Public Tour of Historic Cambridge

Historic Cambridge: A Guided Walking Tour

King's College Chapel and Historic Cambridge

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cambridge Tour Guides - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Abounding with exquisite architecture, exuding history and tradition, and renowned for its quirky rituals, Cambridge is a university town extraordinaire. The tightly packed core of ancient colleges, the picturesque riverside 'Backs' (college gardens) and the leafy green meadows surrounding the city give it a more tranquil appeal than its historic rival Oxford.

Best Things to Do

Leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Cambridge. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

King's College Chapel

In a city crammed with showstopping buildings, this is a scene-stealer. Grandiose 16th-century King's College Chapel is one of England’s most…

Trinity College

The largest of Cambridge's colleges, Trinity offers an extraordinary Tudor gateway, an air of supreme elegance and a sweeping Great Court – the largest of…

Fitzwilliam Museum

Fondly dubbed 'the Fitz' by locals, this colossal neoclassical pile was one of the first public art museums in Britain, built to house the fabulous…

Behind the Cambridge colleges’ grandiose facades and stately courts, a series of gardens and parks line up beside the river. Collectively known as the…

Polar Museum

Tales of hostile environments, dogged determination and, sometimes, life-claiming mistakes are evoked powerfully at this compelling museum. Its focus on…

Gonville & Caius College

Known locally as Caius (pronounced 'keys'), Gonville and Caius boasts three fascinating gates: Virtue, Humility and Honour. They symbolise the progress of…

Christ's College

Christ's College is a venerable institution at more than 500 years old. Its gleaming Great Gate is emblazoned with heraldic carvings of Tudor roses, a…

St John's College

Alma mater of six prime ministers, three saints and Douglas Adams (author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), St John's is superbly photogenic…

Top picks from our travel experts

Get to know the real cambridge with these can't miss spots.

Great St Mary's Church

The foundations of Cambridge's sublime university church date from 1010. It was burnt to the ground in the 1290s and rebuilt in 1351. The major expansion…

In the 44 individually styled rooms of riverside Varsity, wondrous fixtures and furnishings (such as roll-top baths and travellers' trunks) sit beside…

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Founded by Charles Darwin's mentor, Professor John Henslow, the beautiful Botanic Garden is home to 8000 plant species, a wonderful arboretum, glasshouses…

Scudamore's Punting

Rents punts, rowing boats, kayaks and canoes. Offers discounts if you book online.

Espresso Library

A chilled soundtrack and customers with laptops at almost every table signal that this industrial-chic cafe is a student favourite. That's partly down to…

This famous student-run theatre is home to the university's Footlights comedy troupe whose past members include Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry.

Cambridge Brew House

Pick a pint from the array on offer here and there’s a fair chance it’ll have been brewed in the gleaming vats beside the bar. Add a buzzy vibe, eclectic…

Jesus Green Pool

A slender, 91m, 1920s open-air swim spot; popular with poolside sunbathers too.

Cambridge's most famous pub has loosened the tongues and pickled the grey cells of many an illustrious academic, among them Nobel Prize–winning scientists…

Fitzbillies

Cambridge's oldest bakery has a soft, doughy place in the hearts of generations of students, thanks to its ultrasticky Chelsea buns and other sweet treats…

Kettle's Yard

An £11 million revamp has added high-tech contemporary-art galleries to much-loved Kettle's Yard. The big draw for many though will be the original…

Imperial War Museum

Cambridgeshire

At Europe's biggest aviation museum, 200 lovingly preserved vintage aircraft are housed in several enormous hangars. The vast airfield showcases…

Round Church

Cambridge’s intensely atmospheric Round Church is one of only four such structures in England. It was built by the mysterious Knights Templar in 1130 and…

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Latest stories from Cambridge

Architecture

Jul 20, 2022 • 5 min read

Design and engineering come together in Cambridge to create one of the most architecturally interesting cities in England. Here's what to look out for.

Oct 2, 2021 • 9 min read

Aug 25, 2010 • 3 min read

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Cambridge Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Cambridge Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most famous university cities in the world. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Cambridge!

Plan your visit to Cambridge

Located 55 miles north of London is the city of Cambridge. Home to one of the world’s most famous and prestigious universities this ancient seat of learning, and historic city, is smaller and more compact than Oxford.

Spend the day exploring some of its 31 architecturally stunning colleges, famous museums, or take to the river for a spot of punting. Read on for Cambridge travel tips and advice to help you plan your visit.

What you will find in this complete Cambridge Travel Guide

Map of Cambridge

When is the best time of year to visit cambridge, how many days do you need in cambridge, what is the best way to explore cambridge, which city should i visit – oxford or cambridge, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to cambridge, attractions and things to do in cambridge, accommodation in cambridge, tickets, tours & attractions in cambridge, books to read before visiting cambridge, enjoy your visit to cambridge.

Cambridge travel guide – Visiting Cambridge FAQ’s

Cambridge is one of England’s most beautiful cities and a wonderful destination whatever time of year you plan to visit. During the summer months, Cambridge is the perfect destination if you would like to try punting. Take to the river and enjoy views of the bridges and University buildings as you meander along.

Cambridge is one of the UK’s driest cities so with luck you should have a pleasant and dry day whatever time of year you choose to visit.

The Cambridge Folk Festival which is the biggest folk festival in Europe is held annually in June-July.

It is possible to see the main sights and attractions of Cambridge in a day which makes it the perfect day trip from London .

The city’s main attractions and sights are within easy walking distance which makes Cambridge a great destination to explore on foot. We recommend joining a guided walking tour to make the most of your visit.

Both cities have their own unique charms and are worth a visit.

Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford. There is less to do and see but it is a beautiful and easy city to explore in a day.

Oxford is the larger city and has lots of things to see and do so could easily fill 2 days if you wish to explore all its colleges and museums. It is also the perfect destination to visit if you are considering a road trip to the Cotswolds. If you are a Harry Potter fan head to Oxford where you will find several film locations used in a number of the movies. Read more about visiting Oxford in my Oxford Travel Guide .

As I have mentioned both cities are doable day trips from London by train. If you only have one day and want to see both cities take this Oxford & Cambridge Day Tour from London.

What is the best way to travel to Cambridge from London?

For timetables and tickets we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Cambridge for the day or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

• Distance from London: 55 miles
• Time taken by train: 50 mins to 1 hour 50 depending on route
• Leave from: London St Pancras International to Cambridge is the quickest route

Cambridge is located 55 miles from London and will take over an hour and 30 minutes from London by car. Unless you are planning to visit from London and head to other destinations in the UK we recommend taking the train!

If you do plan to drive to Cambridge you will find that parking is expensive so we recommend using the Park and Ride scheme . There are 5 locations around the city to park your car and catch a bus into the city.

We recommend these day tours to Cambridge from Get Your Guide.

• City and University Tour including King’s College – Visit the iconic landmarks of Cambridge University and enter the famous King’s College Chapel. Enjoy a walking tour with a Cambridge University student and see the world behind the institution’s closed doors.
• Exclusive Chauffeur: London to Cambridge and Woburn Abbey – Enjoy the luxury and comfort of your own private chauffeur whisking you out of London to beautiful Cambridge and Woburn Abbey. Discover the beauty of the English countryside on this exclusive private tour.

Click the links for more information about the best things to do in Cambridge and an itinerary for your day including visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum, going for a punt on the River Cam, exploring Cambridge’s Colleges (each an architectural marvel) such as St John’s King’s College and much more!

One day in Cambridge Itinerary

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAMBRIDGE

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

There are numerous walking tours (and punting tours) of Cambridge available.

• University Punting and Walking Tour – Discover the beauty of Cambridge on a combined 90-minute walking tour and 50-minute punting cruise along the River Cam.
• Guided Walking Tour of Historic Cambridge – Take a two hour guided tour of historic Cambridge with an accredited Cambridge Green Badge guide. The fun and family-friendly tour will show you the city’s stunning buildings and tell you about its many famous names.
• Cambridge University Guided Walking Tour with a Graduate – Get an insight into life at one of the world’s most elite universities on a 1.5-hour historical walking tour of Cambridge University with a graduate guide. Visit some of the most famous colleges, such as Clare College and Trinity College.

Cambridge is proud of its literary heritage and connections with many famous authors who have studied or taught at one of its colleges. To fully appreciate and enjoy your visit to Cambridge we recommend reading some of their works.

These include

• William Wordsworth
• Sylvia Plath
• E.M.Forster
• Zadie Smith
• Sebastian Faulks
• Stephen Fry
• Salman Rushdie
• Margaret Drabble
• Joanne Harris
• Nick Hornby

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Cambridge. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

• Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Liverpool Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
• York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has lots of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Cambridge Tour Guides

• See all photos

A Guided Public Tour of Historic Cambridge

Historic Cambridge: A Guided Walking Tour

King's College Chapel and Historic Cambridge

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CAMBRIDGE TOUR GUIDES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Cambridge Highlights Tour

Home » Walking Tour Cambridge

See the best of Cambridge on a 90-minute Cambridge Highlights Walking Tour with Cantab Tours!

• Accredited and qualified tour guides
• Fun and informative walking tours
• See the iconic sights - famous colleges, King's Parade, Senate House, the River Cam
• Perfect for short visits or as an introduction to Cambridge
• Tours start from the University of Cambridge Museums Shop at 18 King's Parade every day

In Association with

The Cambridge Highlights Tour is the perfect way to take in the world-famous sights of Cambridge.

Fully qualified guides will ensure that you have an entertaining and informative tour that covers all the city centre’s must-see sights. From the famous historic colleges to Senate House, the Corpus Clock and the Cavendish Laboratory – there is plenty to see! While you’re here, spot students heading to class, retrace the steps of your favourite alumni, take in the enchanting atmosphere, and most importantly – have fun! 

Perfect for short visits or as an introduction to Cambridge. The Cambridge Highlights Tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to make the most of their time during their stay.

All Cantab Tours’ guides are professionally trained and hold either a Blue or Green Badge awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding and are members of the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides .

Tour Details

Tours run every day at 11.30am and 2pm during July and August.

Advance booking advised.

Tours are 90 minutes long.

Tours cost £20 per person (£12 per child).

Our public walking tours depart from The University of Cambridge Museums Shop, 18 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SP.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour is due to start.

Your guide will make themselves known to you. They will be wearing the official Green or Blue Badges to show they are qualified guides.

Any questions? Read our FAQs .

01223 752660 [email protected]

Tours run every day at 11.30am and 2pm during July and August

See the famous Cambridge sights including:

• The Old Cavendish Laboratory
• The Eagle Pub
• The Corpus Clock
• The Senate House
• King's Parade
• Corpus Christi College
• King's College
• Gonville & Caius College
• Trinity College
• Queens' College
• St Catharine's College

Why Choose Cantab Tours?

Experienced.

Cantab Tours have a wealth of experience in providing high-quality walking tours of Cambridge. Our team has previously worked with Visit Cambridge for many years as the providers of their official guided tour service. In fact, we have been delivering tours of Cambridge since the 1970s!

We work closely with The Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides and all of our tour guides are accredited and proudly wear the widely-recognised Blue or Green badges awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding . The training lasts almost a year and our guides have such a broad knowledge they can answer most questions you will have including questions on the application process for prospective students.

Entertaining.

As well as being fully qualified, our tour guides are all extremely passionate about Cambridge and its history. Many of our guides are Cambridge University Alumni or are associated with the University in some way. They will guarantee that you will have an enjoyable and engaging tour – full of interesting historical facts and fascinating stories. No boring or scripted tours here!

Our Cambridge Highlights Tour is only £20 per person (£12 for children) for a 90-minute tour, and our Private Tours start at just £90 for up to 20 people offering great value for money and the perfect way to see Cambridge.

Our Cambridge Highlights Tour is only £20 per person (£12 for children) for a 90-minute tour, and our private tours start at just £90 for up to 20 people offering great value for money and the perfect way to see Cambridge.

Private Guided Tours of Cambridge

For a more personalised experience, book a private walking tour of Cambridge with one of our expert guides. Explore more of the central Cambridge Colleges and other famous sights on a fully customisable private tour.

TWG Systems Ltd Beacon House Stokenchurch HP14 3FE

Privacy Overview

Which tour would you like to book.

• Private Family Tours
• 2 Hour Free Oxford Walking Tour
• Oxford University & City Tour with Alumni Guide
• Christ Church With Extended University Tour
• Harry Potter Tour of Oxford
• Oxford Ghost Tour
• Oxford Bike Tour
• Oxford Bike & Walking Tour
• Oxford to Stonehenge and Bath
• Blenheim Half Day Tour
• Private Day Tours
• School Group Tours
• Foreign Language Oxford Walking Tours
• All Our Oxford Tours
• Cambridge Free Walking Tour
• Cambridge University & King’s College Tour

Private Family Tour of Cambridge

Group & student tours of cambridge.

• Private Tours of London
• School Groups Tours of London
• Day Trips From London
• Bath Free Walking Tour
• Roman Baths & City Walking Tour
• Private Family Bath Walking Tour
• Group Tours of Bath
• York Free Walking Tour
• York Minster & City Tour
• Private Tours of York
• Group Tours of York
• Oxford City Guide
• London City Guide
• Cambridge City Guide
• Bath City Guide
• Become A Guide

Why Visit Cambridge With Us?

TripAdvisor named us a Top 10 Experiences in the world. Our authentic and unique tours have earned a following and spawned numerous imitations, but there is only one; make the most of your visit. 

Authentic & Unique Guides

No more boring tours! From its history and traditions to what its really like to study here - our guides have lived it and experience it

Cambridge University & King’s College Chapel

Free Cambridge Walking Tour

• Work With Us / Where To Meet Us

Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides

The Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides represents the City’s body of accredited guides who proudly wear the widely-recognised Blue or Green badges which are awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

SCTG guides are qualified, experienced and entertaining.  

Tours offered by our members are available on this website’s  TOURS  page.

The Society itself is non-profit-making. 

Call us today on 01223 953 583 Or Email us at: [email protected]

Tours of cambridge.

At Tours of Cambridge we specialise in organising Private Chauffeured Punting tours, Guided Walking tours with official blue badge guides and city Cycling tours for groups. During the summer season we also offer scheduled tours which smaller groups and individual travellers can join.

If you are looking for a complete day package we can also organise lunch – we have both restaurant and picnic options available showcasing some of the best food available in Cambridge. For those looking to explore Cambridge on their own we also offer a scavenger hunt option. A great way to explore the city, see the sights and learn about Cambridge.

Punting Tours

Walking Tours

Bike Tours & Hire

Stunning cambridge sights.

Cambridge receives millions of visitors each year and it easy to see why with Cambridge University boasting some of the country’s most stunning Architecture including:

From left to right: Kings College Chapel, The Bridge of Sighs, New Court St Johns, The Wren Library, The Fitzwilliam Museum and The Round Church.

Cambridge is a vibrant city where Town meets Gown, a bustling city in its own right with the University running through the heart, along the River Cam providing incredible views. During your time in Cambridge whether you opt for a punting, walking, cycling or bus tour your guide will introduce you to the majesty of Cambridge.

Why choose Tours of Cambridge

We are a local company based in central Cambridge and have been offering services to tours for over 15 years. All of the tours you can book here at  ‘Tours of Cambridge’   are either personally run by us or our trusted suppliers.

We are a flexible company and are happy to put together a bespoke package for your group ensuring that you get the most of our Cambridge however long your visit.

We had a sparkling experience floating down the veins of Cambridge. Thanks to the guide, the impressive buildings turned into scenes of great tales and funny anecdotes. The lighthearted atmosphere was perfect to enjoy the trip. Thank you to the team for this piece of enlighten time in the heart of the old Cambridge.

A huge personal thank you for the fantastic day at my hen do.It was literally perfect – everyone had such a wonderful time and people were enormously impressed at the beautiful vintage style picnic, gorgeous food, great organisation, and the enjoyable punting experience itself!! Thanks so much to you for doing such an amazing job.

Just wanted to say thank you and let you know that we all loved the picnic and punting on Saturday.  We had a brilliant day, the food was gorgeous and Charlie was an absolute star.  It all made an amazing hen do and we all want to come back and do it again! Thanks again.”

“thank you for your efforts in organising the scavenger hunt, and punting/wine tasting…. The events went really well, and were enjoyed greatly by all. A particular thanks to our punter and wine-tasting man who were both absolutely brilliant and really made the punting event a massive hit”.

Great afternoon with Lets Go Punting. The mulled wine and hot chocolate were delicious and added to a wonderful experience. Simon our Guide was excellent – catering for our 7 year old and 70 year old.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Cambridge Travel Tips

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Cambridge is an iconic English city home to some of the country’s best universities, parks, museums, and theatrical productions. It’s a lively small city with a young student population that keeps things affordable.

Like Oxford , life here revolves around the university, but there are many other things to do here as well. I enjoyed the museums, wandering around the parks, and embracing the relaxed pace of life (there are only around 125,000 people here compared to the almost 10 million in London!).

Since Cambridge is just a few hours from London , the city is a popular day-trip destination, however, I enjoyed it enough that I would recommend it for at least a night since there’s so much to do here.

This Cambridge travel guide can help you plan your visit to this fun, beautiful, and historic destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Cambridge

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Cambridge

1. Visit the colleges

Founded in 1209, Cambridge University is an architectural marvel made up of 31 colleges. The school’s Kings and Queens Colleges have the most beautiful buildings, while Corpus Christi, St. Johns, and Trinity have iconic, stunning quads. Pembroke has buildings from every century since its foundation in 1347, while Newnham College has stunning gardens and gorgeous architecture. Spend some time wandering the university.

2. Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum

Founded in 1816, the Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge. It has more than half a million works of art, including masterpiece paintings and historical artifacts, with origins ranging from ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities to modern-day art. Some highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough, Constable, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso. Admission is free.

3. Visit Great St. Mary’s Church

This university church is home to some of the best-preserved English architecture in the country. Constructed in the 15th century, this Late Gothic church offers excellent panoramic views of the city from its bell tower at the top of 123 steps. Admission is free and the bell tower costs 6 GBP. The award-winning Michaelhouse Café located inside the medieval chapel within the church offers breakfast and lunch 7 days a week.

4. Go punting and see the Backs

Punting is a classic Cambridge sport that involves pushing a wooden boat with a pole (instead of rowing with oars). Punting is the only way to see the Cambridge Backs, a picturesque area along the River Cam named for the view of the (literal) backs of the nearby colleges (Magdalene, St John’s, Trinity, Trinity Hall, Clare, King’s, and Queens’). Punting along the tranquil, tree-lined river is also the best way to take in the sights of some of Cambridge’s most famous landmarks such as King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library at Trinity College, and the Bridge of Sighs. Guided tours start at 20 GBP but can be as much as 100 GBP depending on the type of tour and season. Make sure you only book with a licensed operator. Renting your own boat costs around 20-35 GBP.

5. Shop at Cambridge’s market square

Since the Middle Ages, vendors have been selling their wares at Cambridge’s market square in the center of town. Open daily from 10am-4pm, you can find everything from second-hand clothing and bikes to cheap eats and local produce. Even if you don’t purchase anything, walking the aisles is a nice way to spend some time taking in the city and people-watching.

Other Things to See and Do in Cambridge

1. take a free walking tour.

Cambridge is a great place to walk around for a few hours, admiring the beauty of the parks, river, and old historic buildings. A free walking tour is the best way to get the lay of the land and see the main sights (it’s how I start all my visits to a new city). Footprints Walking Tours has the best free walking tour in the city. It lasts a couple of hours and includes all the main highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Botanical Garden of Cambridge University

For a quiet afternoon, head to the Botanical Gardens. John Stevens Henslow, the mentor to Charles Darwin, created the gardens for research purposes in 1831. Today, the gardens boast over 8,000 plant species from around the world. Hang out in the Woodland Garden and Lake, or visit the Glasshouse Range, a series of buildings with themed environments, including deserts and tropical rainforests. The Winter and Autumn Gardens are seasonal glasshouses that are especially colorful during the right months! Admission is 7.50 GBP.

3. Attend a lecture

It’s possible to attend one of the university’s lectures if you plan ahead by looking at the list of public talks on the university’s website. They have lectures on everything from molecular science to the global learning crisis to archaeological mysteries. Talks are usually free and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

4. See a show at the ADC Theatre

To take in the local art scene, attend an amateur performance at the ADC (Amateur Dramatic Club) Theatre. The university’s playhouse is entirely student-run, offering productions by students and other local theatrical groups. In operation since 1855, ADC is the oldest university playhouse in the country and has been the launching point for the careers of countless famous actors and comedians. Tickets are 7-16 GBP depending on the show and day of the week.

5. Attend the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival

Every summer over the course of six weeks, more than 25,000 people gather to see different Shakespeare plays performed in the gardens of the various colleges. Arrive early as the good spots fill up quickly (there are only 200 seats on a first-come, first-served basis). There’s also a picnic area if you want to bring a blanket and a snack to enjoy before the performance. Tickets are 18 GBP per performance.

6. Watch a rowing race

Cambridge is renowned for its rowing club. All colleges have their own clubs, which compete with one another in regular races. Besides punting, this is the most popular activity in town. Watch a race from the river’s edge or grab a pint and sit outside at the riverside pub, The Plough to cheer on the athletes.

7. Visit Anglesey Abbey

Less than 7 miles (11 kilometers) outside of Cambridge, Anglesey Abbey is a stunning Jacobean country house with colorful gardens and a working watermill. Originally built in 1600 (but extensively remodeled in the early 1900s), the interior consists of medieval vaulting, 17th-century paneling, and rooms full of antique furniture and books. Two of the main highlights are the pair of Tudor royal portraits, including the earliest likeness of Henry VIII. In the early spring, a carpet of white snowdrops blooms across the 100 acres of gardens, making for a scenic stroll. You can tour the watermill, the house, and the grounds for 15 GBP.

8. Tour Wren Library

While at Trinity College, be sure to stop at the Wren Library to see its impressive collection of 55,000 books — all of which were published before 1820. A.A. Milne’s original Winnie the Pooh is here as Milne and his son, Christopher Robin, were graduates from Cambridge. Named for famous architect Christopher Wren (whose masterpiece is St. Paul’s Cathedral in London), the building was completed in 1695 and is an important piece of history itself. Visiting is free, though it is currently closed to tourists due to COVID.

9. Explore the Polar Museum

If you’re interested in learning about the world’s earliest explorers, visit the Polar Museum (part of the Scott Polar Research Institute). It was founded in 1920 as a memorial to explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who famously died with his team in 1912 on his return trip from the South Pole. There are photographs, archival videos, ship models, drawings, paintings, and even the last letters written by Scott during his final journey. It’s free to visit.

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

Cambridge Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Cambridge currently has one hostel. A bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs 20 GBP per night. Currently, due to COVID, you can only book private rooms, which cost around 59 GBP per night. Free Wi-Fi is included, and there is a bar on-site as well as self-catering facilities.

If you have a tent, there are campgrounds outside the city with basic facilities that cost between 15-20 GBP per night for a tent pitch without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel costs 50-60 GBP per night (70-80 GBP in high season). Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, TV, and AC.

When university is not in session (and when there is no pandemic), you can book a room to stay at one of the colleges. Prices vary but expect to spend around 75 GBP per night (although prices can be as low as 55 GBP and as high as 100 GBP).

Airbnb is available around Cambridge, with private rooms costing 65-90 GBP per night while an entire home or apartment costs 90-140 GBP. Prices are slightly higher in the summer months. There are much cheaper options further out in the countryside if you have a car.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

Since there are so many college kids in the city, there are a lot of budget food options here. Lunch specials cost around 8 GBP, and you can get a deli-style sandwich for around 5 GBP. If you have an appetite, don’t miss the heaping portions of Jollof (a rice dish that’s popular in West Africa) at Africfood’s food stall in Cambridge Market for 9 GBP.

Dinners out cost between 11-20 for a main dish. A burger at a pub costs 12-15 GBP. But, since Cambridge is a student town, there are often cheaper specials and happy hours away from the touristy areas of Sidney Street, Fitzroy Street, and Bridge Street.

For a multi-course meal and a drink in a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay closer to 30 GBP. Fast food like McDonald’s costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal.

Beer is around 5 GBP while a latte/cappuccino is 3 GBP. Bottled water is around 1.50 GBP.

Buying your own food at a grocery store costs 40-55 GBP for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries in the UK are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, or Tesco.

Backpacking Cambridge Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Cambridge, expect to spend about 55 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, walking and taking public transportation, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and free museum visits. If you plan on drinking, add another 5-10 GBP to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of 150 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eating out for most meals, having a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities such as going punting or visiting the botanical garden.

On a “luxury” budget of 245 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you might spend more and some days you might spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Cambridge Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Cambridge is a student-oriented city, you can find lots of ways to cut corners on your budget. Here are my top tips for saving money when you visit Cambridge:

• Attend a lecture – Attending a free lecture at the university is well worth it. You can experience what the students do and be immersed in the academic world for an afternoon. Check the university’s website for the official public talks to play student for the day!
• Walk in the parks – The parks are mostly free here (the Botanical Garden charges a small entrance fee) and are a great place to relax. Bring a book, pack a snack, and lounge the day away!
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a better feel for the city, be sure to take a free walking tour. They only last a couple of hours and are a great way to engage with the city’s history. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide!
• Visit the Visitor Information Centre – Pop into the Visitor Information Centre as they often have discounted tickets for punting and other activities around the city. They can let you know what’s happening and show you how to save money.
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to get free accommodation. It’s a great way to cut costs while connecting with a local. Many students are away in the summer, however, so be sure to apply early.
• Bike or walk everywhere – Cambridge is not a large city so you can pretty much walk or bike everywhere. Skip taxis and public transportation if you’re on a budget.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Cambridge

Cambridge only has one hostel; everything else is a budget hotel or a guesthouse. With limited budget accommodation, you should book early. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• YHA Cambridge
• A & B Guest House Cambridge Ltd

How to Get Around Cambridge

Public transportation – Cambridge is pedestrian-friendly and you can pretty much walk everywhere. However, there’s also a bus available if you need to go further afield.

City bus fares cost 1-3 GBP per ride depending on how far you go. An all-day pass is 4.50 GBP.

Additionally, London is only an hour away from Cambridge by bus or train, making it easy to plan a day or weekend trip to the university town. Flixbus has tickets for as little as 4 GBP, but the timings are pretty anti-social (think midnight or later). National Express has options for around 21 GBP but you have to change at Heathrow.

Expect to pay anywhere between 8-29 GBP for a train that is quicker and more direct (trains leave from Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, and St Pancras and take 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on which station you leave from). Note: buying in advance can lower prices significantly.

Bicycle – Renting a bike is a great way to explore the outer areas of the city. Full-day rentals (8 hours) cost around 15 GBP.

Taxi – Taxis start at 2.80 GBP and go up 1.75 GBP per mile. Since prices add up fast, I suggest skipping the taxis if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available here, however, since you can walk everywhere and the bus is super affordable, I suggest skipping the rideshares.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 18 GBP per day for a multi-day rental, however, you definitely don’t need one to explore the city. I’d only suggest a car rental if you’re traveling around the region. Just remember that driving is on the left and that most vehicles have manual transmissions.

When to Go to Cambridge

Like London, Cambridge can be rainy and foggy year-round. Summer is the hottest time of year, with temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) between June and September. This is also Cambridge’s peak travel season, so expect bigger crowds and inflated prices (especially during festivals and events).

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons, with milder temperatures and moderate rainfall. The atmosphere in town is upbeat, as the school year is in full swing. Prices are also lower, so you can afford to splurge a little more.

Winter can be very cold, with temperatures hovering around 6°C (43°F). December and January can be rainy, so be sure to pack lots of layers if you visit during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the safest cities in the UK. But like anywhere, it’s good to keep your wits around you — especially after a fun night out. If you keep your valuables secure and use common sense, you won’t have any trouble here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Everywhere around the university is generally quite safe. It gets seedier if you venture into the King’s Hedges or Arbury areas, but even in those places, you’re unlikely to get into much trouble.

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you do experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Cambridge Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Cambridge Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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• Related Blogs

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Welcome to Cambridge!

Welcome to Cambridge, home to more than 20,000 students from all walks of life and all corners of the world. Cambridge is rich in cultural diversity. You will find beautiful University and College buildings, museums and art galleries, extensive gardens and punts on the River Cam. A unique city centre small enough to explore on foot, and just a short walk from the train station.

Things to see and do at the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge encourages visitors to wear face coverings whilst enjoying our indoor spaces. Some buildings and facilities continue to operate free ticketing and reduced visitor numbers to ensure safe social distancing. Cambridge University Libraries are providing a blend of online, zero-contact and in-person services. Before you travel, check ahead to see if you need to book in advance.

You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the following websites:

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Information for prospective students

If you are thinking about applying to study at Cambridge, our open days and events offer opportunities to get a feel for the city and the University. You can find out more about admissions procedures, courses, facilities, student life within the collegiate University and ask any questions you might have.

Discover undergraduate open days and events

Find out more about Postgraduate visits and Open Day

Public events

See events open to the public, including the virtual ones, on our What's On website .

Discover our collections online

• See treasures of Cambridge University Library in high resolution
• Discover highlights from the Fitzwilliam Museum
• Visit Kettle’s Yard on a virtual tour or discover some of the collection’s objects in 360-degree views
• Watch videos about objects in the Museum of Classical Archaeology
• Explore the Polar Museum’s catalogue and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's collection
• Find out about the history of science and its instruments from astrolabes to microscopes on the Whipple Museum website
• Get up close and personal with some spectacular specimens from the Museum of Zoology
• Get to know plants from the Botanic Garden chosen by the Head of Horticulture or see weekly wanders on YouTube

Disabled access

The University works in collaboration with AccesAble to enhance the existing provision of information on accessibility and the University estate for visitors.

These guides provide an excellent and accurate provision of information related to access and should prove a helpful resource for anyone wishing to study at or work at the University of Cambridge, or for those visiting the University and the city.

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The past by the pint

Founded by two cambridge students with a passion for hops and history, we handpick the best of cambridge's incredible pubs for your delectation..

We believe in giving you an authentic, intimate slice of local pub culture, so we maximise our group sizes to 6. Whether you’re visiting for the first time and want to explore the city’s iconic landmarks via some historic pubs, or you’re a beer buff who wants to see Cambridge’s most unique alehouses and breweries, we have a tour to meet your needs!

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Join us for a guided tour through cambridge's most famous pubs and alehouses, whilst drinking in some of cambridge's iconic sites and stories..., private hire tours, get in touch to find out more about our private hire tours - bespoke tours tailored just for you perfect for birthdays, special occasions and corporate events .

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From our reviews of pubs around the country to interviews with some of Britain’s most fascinating landlords. From tales of historic pub culture and to autobiographical stories from our life as pub go-ers! We update our blog every 2 weeks, and we promise to educate, elucidate and tittillate your passion for pub culture with every post!